Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisite: S5 or Equivalent Experience
Accurate forecasts are the Holy Grail of data analytics.
Why? Because every organization uses forecasts to plan its activities. For example:
- Short-term forecasts are used for staffing hospitals and customer service.
- Medium-term forecasts are used for purchasing supplies and materials.
- Long-term forecasts are used for strategic decision-making.
If you’re serious about making an impact at work using data, you can’t go wrong learning how to craft robust forecasts. This course will teach you the fundamentals of crafting forecasts using Python.
First, you will learn simple forecasting methods like moving averages.
Next, you will learn why these simple forecasting methods are usually insufficient in modern organizations.
Finally, you will learn state-of-the-art forecasting using machine learning models, including how to include factors like promotions for more accurate predictions.
This course is designed for ANY professional to build valuable forecasting skills. While the course covers some math, it is not beyond the high school level (i.e., no calculus or statistics).
This is part of an optional Hands-On Machine Learning Bootcamp. Learn more about the courses offered, or attend this individual course.
Students who attend all three days of the Bootcamp earn a certificate and receive complimentary access to the recorded course “Introduction to Machine Learning” to further their skills.
You Will Learn:
- What is time series forecasting?
- The factors that impact forecasts
- How to evaluate your forecasting
- Simple forecasting methods with Python
- Why simple methods are usually not enough
- Why machine learning is the future of forecasting
- How to use machine learning models for forecasting
- Resources to continue your learning
Geared To:
- Business and data analysts
- BI and analytics developers and managers
- Business users
- Aspiring data scientists
- Anyone interested in crafting useful forecasts
Pre-requisites
Registrants must be familiar with Python or complete a complimentary online course before the conference. Access to the four-hour online course "Python Quick Start" will be provided to registrants three weeks before the event.
Students must also be familiar with random forest machine learning. If you are not familiar with random forest, attend “Hands-On: Machine Learning with Python Made Easy – No, Really!” on Sunday.
Laptop Setup
Students must bring their laptops to class.
Note on Corporate Laptops:
This course requires installation of software, as well as the ability to download data files, library files, and code.
If your corporate laptop blocks these activities:
- Contact your IT department early for assistance in preparing your laptop
- Or bring and use a personal device instead
Machine Requirements:
- Windows or Max OS X
- 64-bit operating system
- 8 GB available RAM, 16 GB preferred
- 4 GB of HD space for Anaconda Python installation
Anaconda Python is used in this course because it is free, easy to install, and has all the needed libraries.
Setup:
Instructions will be emailed to registrants prior to the event to prepare your laptop BEFORE the conference.
There is no time allotted in class for laptop preparation.